Joined today... first post...
I just bought a 1985 Blackfin 29 with twin 454's. Starboard reportedly has +/- 350 hours. port reportedly has +/- 1,500 hours. I'm losing a little coolant on starboard, and am planning on tearing into the cooling system to see what all needs replaced - elbows for sure. Unless the manifolds look immaculate, I'll likely replace them just to start with a clean slate. Leading up to this, task, I have two question that I'm hoping the group can help a new Crusader owner with...
1) Current system uses the round water outlet adaptors to feed the HX. If I'm replacing all, it looks like I have the option to purchase the elbow with the longer neck and do away with the adaptor all together. Is that true? Are there any benefits or drawbacks to this change?
2) Since I'll have this apart (and will be replacing head gaskets as preventative maint), seems to me it would be a good idea to have the valves done. Am I thinking about this correctly? If so, how much should I expect to spend for that?
Thanks for whatever thoughts or advice you have.
I just bought a 1985 Blackfin 29 with twin 454's. Starboard reportedly has +/- 350 hours. port reportedly has +/- 1,500 hours. I'm losing a little coolant on starboard, and am planning on tearing into the cooling system to see what all needs replaced - elbows for sure. Unless the manifolds look immaculate, I'll likely replace them just to start with a clean slate. Leading up to this, task, I have two question that I'm hoping the group can help a new Crusader owner with...
1) Current system uses the round water outlet adaptors to feed the HX. If I'm replacing all, it looks like I have the option to purchase the elbow with the longer neck and do away with the adaptor all together. Is that true? Are there any benefits or drawbacks to this change?
2) Since I'll have this apart (and will be replacing head gaskets as preventative maint), seems to me it would be a good idea to have the valves done. Am I thinking about this correctly? If so, how much should I expect to spend for that?
Thanks for whatever thoughts or advice you have.